KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Since the outbreak started in May, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 2,267 confirmed Ebola cases and 893 deaths. The latest official figures include data up to Friday, July 17. In the previous 24 hours, authorities reported 86 new confirmed cases and 29 additional fatalities. These numbers yield an approximate case fatality rate of 39%.
The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare announced the outbreak on May 15. Laboratory tests identified Bundibugyo virus from samples associated with severe illness cases in Ituri Province. This marked the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The World Health Organization designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern two days later.
By July 15, health officials had verified infections in 46 health zones across five provinces, namely Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo. They classified 38 of these zones as active, having reported recent cases. Ituri was particularly impacted, accounting for nearly 90% of all confirmed infections, with areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Nizi, and Nyankunde among the most affected.
Enhanced testing efforts reveal a more detailed outbreak landscape
As the outbreak expanded through northeastern DRC, authorities ramped up surveillance, laboratory testing, and sample analysis. This included examining older samples collected prior to confirming infections. By mid-July, over 80% of newly identified cases were outside the existing contact lists. Additionally, approximately two-thirds of the reported deaths occurred in community settings, where patients did not reach healthcare facilities before passing away.
Response teams persisted with contact tracing, clinical treatment, infection prevention, and health education efforts within affected communities. By July 15, they had identified 12,693 contacts across Ituri, North Kivu, and Tshopo, with 10,195 being actively monitored during the reporting period. Ongoing insecurity, population movements, and strained healthcare infrastructure continued to hinder response operations in parts of eastern DRC.
Regional outbreak primarily driven by Bundibugyo virus
Bundibugyo virus transmits through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients develop internal or external bleeding during severe stages of illness. Currently, no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment exists for this strain, although early supportive care can improve survival chances and aid medical teams in managing symptoms.
By mid-July, Uganda had documented 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. Officials attributed 15 of these infections to imported cases and five to contacts or healthcare workers. Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16 and initiated a 42-day enhanced surveillance period. Meanwhile, the DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 2,267 confirmed cases and 893 deaths as per the government’s report through July 17.